No Show, Rocky Flow, No Woe

The final performance of "Tuesdays with Morrie" was presented at New Stage Theatre yesterday and I really wanted to see it. Greg was not available to go with me and I didn't know of anyone who would be free at the last minute, so I decided to enjoy the performance alone and call it an artist's date.

I learned about the concept of an artist's date years ago after reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The idea is to have a date with yourself once a week in order to feed your connection to your creativity.

I have noticed that since I've been working on a few creative projects, I have felt the need for a creative connection to something outside of my own stuff. Perhaps the concept of an artist's date not only feeds creativity but brings inspiration and a break to those who are already in a creative mode.

After driving into a very full parking lot, I got a little intimidated. I am a little rusty at going to these kinds of events alone. Now that I've been married for almost seven years, I usually have a companion. Nonetheless, I got out of my car and walked into the theatre. Apparently many others had the same idea because several other hopeful people were waiting to get tickets. I decided to wait it out and assume that I would get to see the show. When they told those of us who didn't make it into the coveted seating area that the show was sold out, I was so disappointed that I almost cried. I walked back to my car feeling as if I'd lost my best friend.

Coach Beverly came out to give me a little pep talk. "Everything is how it is meant to be. Everything happens for a reason. What did you learn from this? How do you turn lemons into lemonade?" Before I knew it, my car was heading toward a women's clothing store and I found some great, fun tops that suit me perfectly. I topped off the afternoon by going shoe shopping and even though I didn't find any that I liked, it sure was fun trying on shoes and being selective about all of my purchases.

Big lesson here? Go with the flow. When the music changes, find a new way to dance. Everything does happen for a reason and everything is how it is meant to be. I really believe that.

I'm still feeling inspired to schedule weekly artist's dates with myself. Now that we have entered the the glorious season of spring, the juices are really flowing. I want to do everything I can to support the ever expanding right side of my brain. If you have any fun, suggestions for a solitary artist's date, I'd love to hear about them. Just leave a comment and share if and how you nurture your creativity.

Happy belated Sacred Sunday!

Beverly

PS: Photo of Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii taken by Greg Smith in April 2007.

Comments

[dream]

I love taking myself on artis dates ... and I'm about due. Art museums are fun! Good for you going it alone. I loved reading that book!

[dream]

yeah, i can spell - ARTIST.

[Kate I]

I love artist's dates too, but I know what you mean about feeling self conciousious about going somewhere alone. About 10 years ago, when I was still single and thoroughly enjoying my brunch at a local restaurant, I had an older woman come over to me and pat me on the back while she proceeded to tell me not to worry...I'd probably find someone soon! I was so flabbergasted that I honestly couldn't think of what to say to her which just encouraged her to pat me some more!

After 10 years of living alone and now happily married for 7, I find artists dates to be a great way to have some wonderful alone time, which we all need now and then.

Good post,Coach Beverly!

[Beverly]

Hey Kate, fun story...I guess some people will always view a woman alone as a "sad" sight....and Eileen, I'm not at all surprised that you enjoy art museums!! Thanks to both of you for dropping by...

[stacy]

this line really jumped out at me: "When the music changes, find a new way to dance."

i read the book, "tuesdays with morrie", several years ago. made a huge impression on me.

kudos to greg for a great pic!

[Angela]

Thank you for reminding me of artist's dates! I'm definitely due for one.

[Monique]

Good for you! and I love your metaphor or still dancing when the music changes ;) Thank you for sharing it!